Guided by Wisdom

Sermon Notes: March 22, 2026 Rev. Sheryl Padgett

Guided by Wisdom

Theme

Core Theme

• Wisdom is not something outside of us; it is a spiritual power within that we can develop and learn to trust.

• Being guided by wisdom = listening to the Christ within and acting from that inner clarity rather than fear or appearances.

Unity & the Power of Wisdom

SLIDE – Twelve Powers / Wisdom

• Unity’s Twelve Powers = innate spiritual capacities through which God expresses.

• Wisdom (judgment/discernment) is one of these powers.

• Not about being judgmental; about seeing clearly and choosing well.

SLIDE – Symbols of Wisdom

• Disciple: James, son of Zebedee

• Color: Yellow

• Body Center: Solar plexus / “gut” (pit of the stomach)

• We say, “I had a gut feeling,” because wisdom often shows up as subtle inner knowing, a deep “yes” or “no.”

SLIDE – Definition

• Spiritual wisdom: “The ability to evaluate, discern, and rightly apply what you know.”

• Fillmore: this faculty carefully weighs a question and draws a conclusion.

• When driven by fear/criticism → harsh, condemning, small.

• When rooted in Spirit → guidance, clarity, blessing.

Judging with Right Judgment

SLIDE – John 7:24

• Jesus: “Do not judge by appearances, but judge with right judgment.”

• Judging by appearances:

• Influenced by what looks strong, successful, popular.

• Leads us to react quickly and superficially.

SLIDE – When We Judge by Appearances

• We:

• Label people and lock them into those labels.

• Call events “good” or “bad” before the story is finished.

• Make decisions from anxiety and scarcity → no peace.

• Right judgment asks:

• What is really going on beneath the surface?

• What is loving, just, and life‑giving here?

• What is mine to do that aligns with God’s character?

• Practically:

• Pause, breathe, invite Christ within to expand our view.

• Wisdom is not just “right answers,” but spiritual sight + courage to act.

Biblical Image of Wisdom

SLIDE – Proverbs 3:13–17 (key lines)

• Happy are those who find wisdom.

• She is more precious than jewels; nothing compares with her.

• Her ways are pleasantness; all her paths are peace.

• Takeaway:

• True wisdom leads to peace and aligns us with our deepest spiritual nature.

How Wisdom Shows Up in Daily Life

• Examples of inner “yes” that didn’t make sense on paper:

• Ending a relationship that blocked growth.

• Taking a less impressive job that felt more alive.

• Giving when logic said “Don’t,” but Spirit said “Do.”

• Often, we see the full wisdom only later.

Explorer / Water Pump Story (Short Version)

• Temperature gauge reading high; inner nudge: “Don’t ignore this.”

• Took the car in before a planned trip; they replaced the water pump.

• Mechanic showed the fan blade removed in the process: ceramic, full of tiny cracks, about to shatter.

• Estimated life: “Maybe a day or two” – right when the trip would have been.

• What seemed like bad timing and expense was actually protection and guidance.

Chinese Farmer Story (Very Brief)

• Events called “good” or “bad” by neighbors; farmer always says, “Maybe.”

• Outcomes keep shifting; what looked terrible becomes blessing, and vice versa.

• Point: We rarely see the whole picture. Wisdom says, “Maybe… God, show me how to see this.”

Wisdom vs. Being Judgmental

• Judgmentalism:

• Quick, rigid, fueled by fear and insecurity.

• Focused on labeling and condemning.

SLIDE – Divine Wisdom (Fillmore)

• Divine wisdom:

• “Intuitive knowing; the voice of God within… mental action based on the Christ Truth within.”

• Transcends intellectual knowledge.

• Characteristics:

• Not willful, but willing – to yield to the highest good.

• Impartial – not driven by prejudice or favoritism.

• Comes from heart as well as head.

• Leads to actions that are compassionate, just, and life‑enhancing.

Adoption Story (Short)

• After all info and expert opinions, still uncertain.

• Son: “She is my sister.”

• When asked how he knew: “I know that I know—and you know too.”

• “I know that I know” = language of wisdom: deep inner clarity, often followed by relief and alignment.

Practices: Living “Guided by Wisdom”

SLIDE – Practices for Guided Wisdom

1. Pause Before You Decide

• Delay knee‑jerk reactions.

• Ask: “Am I reacting from fear/appearances, or responding from faith/inner knowing?”

2. Ask Spirit to Reveal the Truth

• Bring decisions into prayer and silence.

• Simple prayer: “Spirit, show me what I need to see. Reveal the highest good.”

3. Hold Off on Labels

• Resist instant “good/bad,” “success/failure” verdicts.

• Use: “I don’t yet know how this will unfold, but I trust God is present.”

4. Listen to Your Body and Gut

• Notice your felt sense with each option: tight vs. spacious, anxious vs. quietly peaceful.

• Honor the body’s wisdom as part of Spirit’s guidance.

5. Seek Wise Counsel, Then Return Within

• Ask spiritually grounded people for input.

• Then pray: “What resonates with the Christ in me? What aligns with love and integrity?”

6. Affirm Your Connection to Wisdom

• Daily affirmation:

• “I am guided by divine wisdom in every thought, word, and action.”

• Not forcing wisdom, but acknowledging its presence within.

How Wisdom Grows

• Wisdom grows not just by what we consume, but by how we commune with God:

• When we pause and pray before acting.

• When we listen inwardly and follow through.

• When we practice seeing beyond appearances.

• When we seek counsel and then do a spiritual gut check.

• When we affirm and walk in spiritual truth.

• The “secret” is not an external technique; it is Christ in you, the inner Teacher and Guide.

Closing Affirmation

SLIDE – Affirmation

I am guided by divine wisdom in every thought, word, and action. I trust the light within me. I walk my path with clarity, peace, and courage.